Ensure Your Success by Following These Steps
An abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical incision in the lower part of the abdomen. It is designed to remove excess fat and skin and restore weak or separated muscles in the abdomen. As with any surgery, there are important steps to take in order to prepare and ensure that your procedure is as successful as possible. The experts at West Coast Plastic Surgery Center would like to walk you through those steps so that when your tummy tuck is complete, you can be as confident about it as you deserve to be.
Helpful steps to take leading up to a tummy tuck:
- Alter your diet and exercise routine.
The moment you decide you want to take the plunge and get a tummy tuck is the best time to begin altering your diet and exercise habits. The closer you are to your desired weight before your tummy tuck, the more precisely we will be able to contour your stomach to help you achieve your desired result. At your consultation, our team can provide personalized fitness advice for your specific situation and needs.
- If you are a smoker, it’s best to give up the habit.
It is generally recommended that patients quit smoking three weeks before surgery and three weeks (or forever) after to ensure proper healing. When you quit smoking, the levels of nicotine and carbon monoxide in your body will drop. This will improve blood flow and lessen the chances of experiencing any complications.
- Gain a full understanding of what kind of tummy tucks are available to you.
Now that you’ve decided you want a tummy tuck, it’s time to decide what kind is best for your body. Many people have heard of tummy tucks, but most aren’t aware that there are actually different kinds: full tummy tucks, mini tummy ticks, and extended tummy tucks. Full tummy tucks are the traditional kind of tuck, in which the full length of the abdominal wall is addressed. The results are natural and typically include a visibly firmer abdomen. Mini tummy tucks improve the section only below the belly button. For this reason, it is ideal for patients who want to be free from flaws or insecurities of the lower abdomen. An extended tummy tuck also targets the hip area, so it is often used for patients who have had multiple pregnancies or have lost significant amounts of weight. The best way to know which tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule an appointment at our office in Oxnard.
- Be sure that your current medications do not interfere with the surgery process.
At your consultation, you will need to make our team aware of any medications you are currently taking. Certain medications can interfere with the process of anesthesia or result in other surgical complications, so it is essential that we have an open and honest discussion. Remember that our office is a judgment-free zone and our only goal is to assist you on your journey to self-confidence and self-love. An understanding of your medical history is one more way that we can help you along that journey.
- Take it easy for two weeks leading up to the surgery and avoid heavy lifting for six weeks post-surgery.
Recovery from surgical procedures tends to be most successful when the immune system is operating at maximum capacity. In order to make this possible, we recommend taking it easy for two weeks leading up to the surgery. If you have been participating in strenuous exercise in order to prepare your body for its best results, this would be the time to slow down and give your body some time to relax. After the surgery, we recommend avoiding exercises like heavy lifting so your body can focus on healing and giving you the amazing results you deserve.
Call us today at (805) 978-8545 to schedule a consultation at our office in Oxnard. Our team will then walk you through how to prepare for your specific surgery and what to expect. You can also contact us online. We look forward to helping you achieve the best body of your life.